Tomas Rosicky has started in only five league matches this seasonGetty Images/Shaun Botterill

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed the Gunners have activated a clause in Tomas Rosicky's contract to keep him at the club for 12 more months.

Being out of contract at the end of the current campaign, the 34-year-old's future at the Emirates Stadium has been under scrutiny in recent months, with the Czech international seeing his playing time restricted this season, having started only five Premier League games.

Rosicky recently claimed he considered leaving during the last January transfer window, while earlier in May, he refused to commit his future to the club.

"I can't tell you anything at the moment. When the season finishes, we'll see if I will continue for another season. I would rather not talk about it at the moment. Being on the bench is difficult – every player wants to be involved. When you're not getting the games you want or if you are not even part of it, it's difficult for every player," he admitted.

But Wenger has now confirmed the club have activated a clause to prolong his stay by an additional season. "Yes. We have taken up the option," the manager said.

Meanwhile, Wenger claimed the Czech international will not work as a intermediary in the potential arrival of his compatriot Petr Cech to the club amid growing speculation over Arsenal moving for the Chelsea 'keeper.

"Tomas Rosicky is not involved in the transfer market at all, he will be with us next season and we do not use the players for that," he said. "Most of the time it is the players who want to join you who come in. Sometimes they might call each other but we do not get the players to interfere with that.

Meanwhile, the manager has played down reports claiming Barcelona are interested in Aaron Ramsey and that the Gunners want Bournemouth star Callum Wilson ahead of next season. He said: "We look at all the players but we are not looking especially at Callum Wilson."